1/ #BetterMasks - why and how

First, why do we even need high-filtration masks right now?

Increasingly, we are going to be (or already are) in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces- groceries, public transit, work, school etc
#covid19 https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1349941848719187973?s=20
2/ If can agree that we need these...what qualities should these masks have?

We talk about that in our @HarvardBiz piece on #BetterMasks

Fit
Filtration
Comfort
Affordability
Scalability
Style

#covid19 https://hbr.org/2020/06/we-need-better-masks
We Need Better Masks

Right now, it’s our best option to contain the virus and revive the economy.

https://hbr.org/2020/06/we-need-better-masks
3/ Given huge delays in getting any of this done...what options are available right now, off the shelf?

One of these - elastomeric (eN95s) which are used in different industries and were used by some hospitals can get job done

#covid19 https://hbr.org/2020/10/essential-workers-need-better-masks
Essential Workers Need Better Masks

Employers should invest in this cost-effective alternative to the N95.

https://hbr.org/2020/10/essential-workers-need-better-masks
4/ Many have pointed to the issue of the exhale valves-- actually, even this issue has been studied by CDC/NIOSH, report below

Apparently source control can still be better than surgical masks or cloth masks even w/ these
#covid19 https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1349928233265983488
5/ Additionally, many have rightfully mentioned KF94 and KN95s

There have been some issues around counterfeits

CDC has a list of some that have definitely run into these issues (check the list if you have any of these, may need to contact company) https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1349539524167299074?s=20
6/ Many are aware that higher filtration masks are the best personal protection we can get at this time, including President @JoeBiden

No silver bullets, but these are critical in addition to vaccines, T/T/I, ventilation etc #covid19 https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1349753000756129799?s=20
7/ Some home-made options exist & many smart people have studied these & have been trying to MacGyver their own

I commend these people- but it shouldn't have to be this way.

We are 11 months into this pandemic.

We have known this is an issue. https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1349757089934168066?s=20
8/ Some places, like Bavaria in Germany, have actually started to make FFP2 (their N95 equivalent) *mandatory* when using transit or in grocery stores

This is key- using HiFi masks in places w/ highest risk of transmission from both droplets + aerosols https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1349849113148461057?s=20
9/ But- just saying you need to wear #BetterMasks or even mandating them without helping people get access to these- ideally for free-- is unacceptable & will worsen health inequities. #covid19 https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1349850768828985346?s=20
10/ Some governments, like Austria's, are actually sending these hi-fi masks for free to their highest risk citizens- those 65+ year of age

Even if we can get better masks to high risk folks + those in frontline jobs, that would be huge

But ideally more https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1349926549991157760?s=20
11/ Hong Kong got a 6 layer re-usable mask out to people; free w/ national ID card; ability to insert better filters for when you're in crowded spaces; distributed from post offices

#covid19 https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1348641693885726720?s=20
12/ Singapore has something similar, given out through vending machines

It's a mask kit- 2 reusable masks, 3 reusable filters

They have distributed this 3 times now (maybe more since that article was written, not sure)

#covid19 https://twitter.com/AbraarKaran/status/1348116210416836608?s=20
13/ Our latest piece in @statnews talks about what the @JoeBiden team needs to do

Ideally, you would be able to pick up your mask kit in convenient places or have it shipped right to you

More soon from @sri_srikrishna @RanuDhillon & me
#BetterMasks https://www.statnews.com/2021/01/07/national-hi-fi-mask-initiative-needed-with-vaccine-rollouts/
Along with vaccines, the U.S. needs a National Hi-Fi Mask Initiative - STAT

Until enough people are vaccinated, a National Hi-Fi Mask Initiative can produce enough effective masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

https://www.statnews.com/2021/01/07/national-hi-fi-mask-initiative-needed-with-vaccine-rollouts/
14/ As expected, over time, more transmissible variants such as #B117 will outcompete older ones; and at a later time, some variants may do better at evading our immune response.

When that happens, having a #bettermask on will be key.
#covid19 https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/coronavirus-variant-dominant-us/2021/01/15/4420d814-5738-11eb-a817-e5e7f8a406d6_story.html
CDC warns highly transmissible coronavirus variant to become dominant in U.S.

Agency data predicts U.K. variant will spread rapidly, intensifying urgency of vaccinations

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/coronavirus-variant-dominant-us/2021/01/15/4420d814-5738-11eb-a817-e5e7f8a406d6_story.html
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